Apr 17, 2024 - Business

Jim Messina goes international with a London shopping spree

Hans Nichols

Jim Messina, on stage in a suit and tie — Democratic political operative Jim Messina. Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Jim Messina, a Democratic political operative who ran then-President Obama's 2012 reelection campaign, is expanding his firm internationally — with a minority investment in the London-based Global Counsel.

Why it matters: The investment by The Messina Group is another example of a strategic advisory firm looking to grow through a strategic partnership, an acquisition, or a private equity investment.

The new alliance will lead to a combined 150 employees across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

What they're saying: "This is an important step in continuing to build a first-class global policy and political advisory business," Messina said in a statement. "Working alongside the GC team will allow us to offer our existing clients an even wider range of services around the world."

Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, CEO of Global Counsel, said: "Joining forces with TMG will allow our business to reach the next stage."

The big picture: As he grows his firm, Messina has stayed in close contact with the Biden White House and has reliably defended the Biden-Harris campaign, warning Democrats not to be "bedwetters."

In 2020, he was part of a broader Democratic effort to put pressure on former Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz to drop out of the race.

"He can't win, and he could seriously damage our ability to beat Donald Trump," Messina said at the time.

The intrigue: Messina, who long worked for former Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mt.), has previously advised conservatives in the U.K.

He consulted for David Cameron and Theresa May when they were prime ministers.

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Jim Messina goes international with a London shopping spree

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